Why do Mexican Americans love oldies so much?

Question

I have noticed that Mexican Americans/Chicanos, more than any particular ethnic group, are drawn to oldies. Not all oldies, but oldies of a particular genre: Doo Wop, Old School R& B, Slow jams, Motown, etc.

Classic examples of songs that Chicanos love are, "Angel Baby" , "I'm your puppet", "Sitting in the Park", "Oooo baby baby", "I do love you", and "18 with a bullet". I live in an area where there is a large Mexican American population and on radio stations that are clearly geared toward Mexican Americans as indicated by the DJ's intermittent use of "Spanglish" (a mix between English and Spanish), there is almost always an oldies program. These oldies are often described as "firme oldies". I have also seen compilation CD's with titles such as "Chicano Oldies" or "Low Rider Oldies", etc. which are clearly geared toward Mexican Americans.

Now I know it is not just Mexican Americans who like this genre, but I have noticed that Mexican Americans, even younger Mexican Americans seem to be drawn to oldies, more than Blacks, Asians, Whites (non-hispanic origin), etc. My question is, how did Oldies become such an integral part of Chicano/Mexican American culture? Has anyone else noticed that Mexican Americans love oldies?

Answer 1

LOL, this made me laugh.



I guarantee you that most Mexican-Americans don't listen to "oldie music".



Do you live in California? Because if you do that might explain why you have this perception about Mexican Americans. But, its been my experience that the Mexican-Americans that enjoy this type of music are those that are in their mid 20s to early 30s, so it definitely is a generational thing, IMO.



The following is all anecdotal, but there is this station that plays this type of music, and it's the type where they take in requests, and the majority of the callers, do seem to be Mexican-American. Also, I think you can narrow down the group even further, it's usually those who are in relationships and are kind of "chololish", if that makes sense.



I think it's integrated because..... well I don't know, to be honest, but I definitely recall listening to these songs when I was younger, thanks to my sister, I think it's part of "Chicano culture". Can't say why, but for some reason I think it is.

Answer 2

Chicano Oldies Radio Station

Answer 3

Idk, Most Mexican-Americans just like it. I'm Mexican-American, and yes, i like the oldies like this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FqrsgSS6lFU



I also like Big Band Music, and Classical Music like Beethoven,Bach,Benny Goodman,Glenn Miller, ect...

Answer 4

CUZ THEY LIKE BEING HIGH ON MARIJUANA